The Road to Cardinal Valley: 2 (A Ruby McGavin Mystery) - Softcover

"This is a nice story that catches us up with characters from Fowler's previous book, The Saddlemaker's Wife. It is easy to get attached to all of these characters, especially Ruby, who has been through so much but still fights to make sure she has happiness in her life...The conclusion is satisfying and you will welcome a chance to be a part of this small town and its eccentricities once again."--RT Book Reviews

"A perfect follow-up to the earlier story...Fowler excels at creating realistic characters with all their flaws and fights and secret histories...[A] thoughtful, emotional story...And it's a powerful story of redemption, the ability of people to change...Anyone who read The Saddlemake's Wife will welcome the lives that lead to The Road to Cardinal Valley."--Lesa's Book Critiques

"An appealing panorama of ordinary people trying to live up to their best potential."--Publishers Weekly

"An enjoyable story about letting go, forgiveness, and second chances."--The Season

In this heartwarming follow-up to Earlene Fowler’s national bestseller, The Saddlemaker’s Wife, Ruby McGavin returns to the small town of Cardinal, California, where a year ago she brought her husband’s ashes back to his family’s ranch, and discovered safety, peace, and love...

Back in Cardinal, Ruby is hoping the place and people who gave her so much can give her brother, Nash—who’s been drowning in drink in Nashville—the fresh start he so desperately needs.

Saddlemaker Lucas McGavin is thrilled that Ruby is back. He hasn’t given up on his love for her, despite the awkward fact that she’s his brother’s widow—and that this may be his last chance to win Ruby’s heart.

When Nash starts drinking again and has a devastating accident, Ruby seeks out their estranged mother to help with an intervention, not realizing that Etta Walker harbors a horrible secret that keeps her from reconnecting with the children she deserted so many years ago.

As Ruby, Lucas, and Etta struggle with the present and confront the past, they each learn the power of forgiveness...and reach for a new future filled with hope, grace, and love.